Provenance

Mrs. Walter B. James

Jennings, Helen G.

1860 - 1946

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See all 435 works of art
This is print of two barn owls perched on the branches of a leafless tree against a dark sky, with a landscape of a distant river lined with trees visible below. The owl at the top of the painting has its wings spread, and it holds a small brown chipmunk in one claw, gripping the creature's head. The other owl is on a lower branch, and it has its wings partially raised and its beak is open, looking up towards the chipmunk held by the other owl. The feather patterns on both birds are detailed, showing the white on their faces, underbellies, and beneath their wings, as well as the warm brown tones of their heads, backs, and wings. The sky behind them is dark blue-gray.
Robert Havell, Jr., Barn Owl, 1833, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.171

Barn Owl

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1833 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.171

This is a painting of two birds standing on a sandy shore by the water. The painting features two Pectoral Sandpipers with detailed plumage. The birds are depicted with brown and speckled feathers, long yellowish legs, and medium-length beaks. They are standing on a sandy landscape near the edge of a serene water body, with scattered stones and seashells. The background reveals a gradient sky with distant hills or mountains across the water, enhancing the sense of depth and tranquility.
Robert Havell, Jr., Pectoral Sandpiper, 1836, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.294

Pectoral Sandpiper

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1836 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.294

Six birds are depicted on branches of a bare tree with budding leaves. The illustration's color palette consists of browns, yellows, pinks, and hints of blue against a neutral background. At the top sits a small brown and blue bird on the highest branch. Below, a bird with pink, brown, and white plumage perches. Further down, a bird with rich brown and pink colors is situated. To the bottom left, a bird with a yellow chest and black wings perches, and near the center, a bird with brown and black wings with a hint of yellow stands. In the lower right, a brown bird with a white speckled belly sits. The tree branches extend vertically through the center of the image, supporting the birds at varying heights.
Robert Havell, Jr., Lazuli Finch, 1838, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.424

Lazuli Finch

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1838 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.424

This is a painting of a Sandwich Tern on a rocky surface near a body of water with a lobster nearby. The Sandwich Tern is perched on a rocky outcrop with one leg raised. Its plumage is light gray and white with black on its head and a yellow tip on its beak. The background is a blue-toned seascape. Next to the bird is a detailed depiction of a lobster. This painting is in the style of John James Audubon.
Robert Havell, Jr., Sandwich Tern, 1835, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.279

Sandwich Tern

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1835 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.279

Two birds are depicted perched on branches with large leaves. The top bird has dark blue and white plumage, while the bird below has similar coloring with yellow and red patches near its beak. The background is off-white, highlighting the green leaves and muted tones of the birds' feathers. The top bird faces left, with the branch running diagonally, while the bottom bird faces upward toward the foliage.
Robert Havell, Jr., Tyrant Flycatcher, 1830, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.79

Tyrant Flycatcher

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1830 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.79

This artwork features a white-headed eagle perched on a branch. The eagle has detailed brown feathers, with its head turned upwards and beak open. The wings and body display brown shades with white edges. The eagle's talons grip the curved branch. The background is plain, emphasizing the eagle. The style is reminiscent of John James Audubon, known for bird illustrations.
Robert Havell, Jr., White-Headed Eagle, 1832, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.126

White-Headed Eagle

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1832 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.126

This is a painting of two black vultures feeding on the carcass of a deer. The painting depicts two vultures with black feathers and grey heads intently focusing on the lifeless deer lying on a patch of grass. The positioning of the birds and the detailed rendering of their plumage gives a realistic and dynamic impression of them engaging in their natural behavior. The contrast between the dark feathers of the vultures and the brown fur of the deer highlights the scene set against a simple background, emphasizing the subjects.
Robert Havell, Jr., Black Vulture, 1831, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.106

Black Vulture

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1831 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.106

This is a painting of two birds near a body of water. The scene depicts a large bird standing atop a rock with a smaller bird to its left. The larger bird has grey and white plumage with a black ring around its neck and a yellow-tipped black beak. The smaller bird is pecking or foraging with its beak on the sandy ground. Seashells are visible on the ground. The background shows tranquil water, a distant shoreline, and a sky with soft clouds. The style is similar to that of John James Audubon.
Robert Havell, Jr., Fork-tailed Gull, 1835, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.285

Fork-tailed Gull

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1835 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.285

This is a painting of two Eared Grebes. The painting depicts two birds in detail on a rocky surface near a body of water. Tall grassy reeds are visible in the background, under a pale blue sky.
Robert Havell, Jr., Eared Grebe, 1838, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.404

Eared Grebe

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1838 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.404

This is a painting of a long-legged bird standing in a natural landscape. The image features a bird with intricate feather detailing, particularly on its wings and neck, where a pattern of white spots stands out against darker feathers. Its elongated beak and legs are drawn with precise anatomical accuracy. The background reveals a tranquil river or lake, bordered by gentle rolling hills. The coloration is subtle, using muted tones to create a sense of harmony between the bird and its environment. The overall composition is balanced, with the bird positioned diagonally across the canvas.
Robert Havell, Jr., Scolopaceus Courlan, 1837, hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, 1945.8.377

Scolopaceus Courlan

Robert Havell, Jr. · 1837 · hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper ·  Accession ID  1945.8.377

Bibliography

1946

  • "Mrs. Walter B. James. Widow of Academy of Medicine; Leader Headed Day Nursery." The New York Times (16 August 1946): L21.